Over 116,000 soldiers, approximately one-eighth of the troops in the United States military, are stationed in eastern North Carolina, along with more than 21,000 civilian workers on the military posts. The military presence pumps billions of dollars each year into the state's poorest region. The military impacts a number of areas besides the economy. This article examines the military's impact on the region's economy; North Carolina's share of defense contracts; ports; sales and property taxes; taxpayer-financed services and growth and housing; public schools; military spouses and retirees on the local work force; rates of crime, domestic violence, and child abuse; race relations; environment; the presence of drinking establishments, pawn shops, and tattoo parlors; and air space restrictions.